At the beginning of the Sermon on the Mount, the Savior lists eight qualities which will bring a person joy. This list is known as the Beatitudes, because the Latin word translated “blessed” is beati. This word—and the original Greek word makarios (μακάριος)—literally mean “happy,” but with a connotation of “having great reason to be happy.” Other possible translations would be “fortunate,” “favored,” or “enviable.”
During His visit to the American continent, the Savior prefaced the Beatitudes with two other statements of blessedness, bringing the list of positive attributes to ten. Today, I pondered each of these attributes and the corresponding blessings. Here are my thoughts:
| Attribute | Blessing | My thoughts |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Giving heed to God’s representatives | Elder Ronald A. Rasband recently reminded us that there is safety in following God’s prophets (including on social media). (“Young Adult Face to Face with Elder and Sister Rasband,” 13 September 2020, 20:13) | |
| 2. Believing in the testimony of others | Receive the Holy Ghost and a remission of their sins | Elder Ronald A. Rasband also testified that believing in the testimony of others is itself a gift from God. (“Young Adult Face to Face with Elder and Sister Rasband,” 13 September 2020, 36:20) |
| 3. Poor in spirit who come unto Christ | The kingdom of heaven | King Benjamin asked, “Are we not all beggars?” (Mosiah 4:19). Recognizing our state of dependence on God and pleading with Him for blessings will unlock His power in our lives. |
| 4. Mourning | Comforted | Alma taught that disciples of Christ ought to “mourn with those that mourn” (Mosiah 18:9). Mourning may be an indication of empathy and compassion. |
| 5. Meekness | Inherit the earth | Callous and aggressive tactics may produce short-term results, but they do not produce sustainable happiness or success. |
| 6. Hungering and thirsting after righteousness | Filled with the Holy Ghost | Moroni said that we should approach God with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith (Moroni 10:4). The Holy Ghost comes to those who genuinely desire guidance from God and are willing to follow that guidance. |
| 7. Merciful | Mercy | Alma taught that what you send out will return to you again (Alma 41:15). If you want mercy, you need to be merciful. |
| 8. Pure in heart | See God | No unclean thing can dwell in the presence of God. We will recognize His hand in our lives as we eliminate impurities from our thoughts and desires. |
| 9. Peacemakers | Called the children of God | The Savior is a peacemaker. Those who act as peacemakers are following in His footsteps. |
| 10. Being persecuted and reviled for Christ | Reward in heaven, companionship with the prophets | You may not feel blessed when you are persecuted, but a willingness to stand for the truth enables you to demonstrate your love for God and your loyalty to Him. |
Today, I will strive to develop these ten attributes. I will remember that such qualities as a willingness to listen to God’s prophets, empathy, meekness and mercy, and a willing to sacrifice for truth will bless me and others. These qualities will make us beati: fortunate, favored, happy, blessed.
Book of Mormon Study Notes 